Board of Directors
Denyse Trepanier
President
Brian Fowler
Treasurer
Tim Beloney
Secretary
Maria Piper
Board Member
Cyndy Johnsen
Board Member
Lucy Gigli
Founder, non-voting
Bike Walk Alameda is
fiscally sponsored by
Bike East Bay, a
501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization.
bikewalkalameda.org
January 5, 2026
RE: Item 7-C: Sidewalks Repair Process Updates
Dear Councilmembers and Staff,
We are writing to express our support for this item.
Safe, well-maintained sidewalks are essential public infrastructure. They enable mobility for people of all ages and abilities, reduce the risk of injury, and encourage walking as a healthy and sustainable form of transportation.
Clear, consistent, and transparent procedures for addressing repairs benefit both adjacent property owners and the broader community.
We also appreciate the sidewalk pilot program launched last February.
Together, these measures help ensure sidewalks are kept in good condition while offering property owners clarity, support, and flexibility in meeting their responsibilities.
While a different funding and collection model—such as a parcel tax—may be more efficient and worth considering in the future, we see this ordinance as a positive and practical next step.
A related, though less urgent, issue is sidewalk obstruction from landscaping such as hedges and bushes. These obstructions degrade the walking experience and can render sidewalks non-compliant with ADA standards. We encourage the City to consider a similar, clear process to ensure landscaping adjacent to sidewalks is properly maintained.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued work to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Sincerely,
Bike Walk Alameda Board